Lithuania’s pike fishing season opens with new regulations

Lithuania’s pike fishing season officially began on Thursday, the Environment Ministry announced, marking the start of recreational angling for the species while introducing updated rules for sustainable fishing practices.

Anglers are now permitted to use live baitfish, but the ministry emphasized strict prohibitions on certain gear. “It is forbidden to fish using floating amateur fishing devices that are not attached to a rod and use a hook,” the statement clarified. Each fisher may keep a maximum of two pike per outing, with a size limit of 50–80 cm.

Seasonal restrictions remain in place for other species. Fishing for grayling and burbot is banned until May 15, while whitefish protection extends through May 31. In the Nemunas Delta Regional Park, carp fishing is prohibited in all water bodies—except polders—and within a 400-meter zone around Dabinta Peninsula in the Kaunas Reservoir until May 20.

The spring season for trout and whitefish in rivers has concluded. As of May 1, recreational fishing licenses for these species are no longer issued, and all caught trout and whitefish in inland waters must be released immediately.